23. The Shell

Summary

• Kya finds herself daydreaming about her Picnic-date with Chase Andrews after seeing him at Jumpin's wharf.
• She spends the evening alone, dancing by the moonlight and desiring intimacy with Chase.
• The following day, Kya meets Chase for their date; despite her discomfort with physical touch, she agrees to hold his hand.
• They take a boat ride along the ocean, where Kya anticipates and experiences being physically close to Chase for the first time. They eventually arrive at a secluded beach.
• On the beach, Chase remains quiet while Kya worries about being viewed as an oddity by him rather than a romantic interest.
• Chase plays songs on a harmonica for Kya, surprising her with his talent. He then gives her a unique shell they discovered, which she identifies as an ornate scallop.
• They share a picnic, complete with homemade food and soda pop, while discussing sea creatures and wildlife.
• Chase initiates a kiss with Kya, which turns into a physical escalation Kya is not prepared for. She resists his quick progression into intimacy, taking offense at what she sees as a lack of proper courtship.
• Finally, feeling deeply violated and upset, she flees the scene and treks through miles of woods to her boat, leaving Chase behind on the beach.